Gulf Global Synergies LLC
Introduction
Gulf Global Synergies LLC (“GGS”), a joint venture between CGA and Entilaq, is a foremost leader in the provision of global advisory services. From the purchase and sale of manufacturing facilities in South America and Europe, to the expansion of real estate and development companies in the Middle East and Far East, GGS is on hand every step of the way to assist corporations to successfully expand their operations abroad and to conclude transactions internationally.
For over thirty (30) years, GGS has led myriad corporate clients in expanding their reach abroad. It does this through meticulously providing a one-on-one, personalized approach to concluding transactions. GGS has an in-depth understanding of global markets and international market conditions, including the ability to deal effectively in areas and situations that are delicate and unique.
Using its sensitive approach to international transactions, GGS has concluded a wide array of business deals. Most of these deals have been in the area of heavy manufacturing, real estate development, rail, construction, and high technology.
GGS is a very effective and efficient negotiator of business transactions on a global scale, and has a track record that is second to none in the industry.
Meet Our Team
Antonio J. Soave | Founding member & President
Antonio J. Soave is the current President of Gulf Global Synergies (GGS) and Chairman and CEO of Capistrano Global Advisory Services (“CGA”). In this capacity he has assisted myriad businesses to expand their operations abroad, establish joint ventures and conduct acquisitions on a global scale in a number of business sectors including, but not limited to, the following: infrastructure, rail, construction, oil & gas, automotive, agriculture, biotech, high-tech and heavy manufacturing. He is also active in business restructuring and foreign capital / equity financing, as well as corporate turn-around activities. His geographic areas of competence and specialization are the Middle East, Europe and South America.
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Antonio is an International Advisory Council member of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). USIP is an independent, nonpartisan institution established and funded by Congress to increase the nation's capacity to manage international conflict without violence. Antonio is also the founder and current Chairman of the Global Foundation of Peace through Soccer, an international non-profit organization that spreads a message of “peace through soccer.” Antonio is also the former Secretary of Commerce for the State of Kansas. He was officially appointed as Commerce Secretary on November 4, 2015, and he served in that capacity until July of 2017. In 2008 and the beginning of 2009, Antonio served as the Chairman and Executive Director of the School of Business at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. Antonio is the Past Chairman of the International Business Council (“IBC”), a national/international non-profit organization that promotes a mission of “peace through commerce.” Antonio has a B.A. in International Studies from The American University in Washington, D.C., a Juris Doctor from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University, and a LLM (Masters of Law) in International Law from the University of San Diego.
Jamal Bafagih | Founding member & CEO
Jamal Bafagih Jamal Bafagih is the CEO of Gulf Global Strategies (GGS) in Houston, Texas and Managing Partner of Entilaq, in Abu Dhabi. Entilaq is a boutique consulting firm in the UAE, leveraging its wide network of business contacts and familiarity with local best practices to create innovative business opportunities and projects for its clients. Jamal operates Entilaq and its US affiliate I10 Arabia and commutes between the United States and the Gulf region exploring opportunities and synergies for US companies interested in doing business within the region.
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Jamal worked a two year term as Director of the National US Arab Chamber of Commerce in Houston serving Texas and Southern region till September 2015. Jamal Bafagih served an extensive and distinguished career (1985-‐2010) with the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, Defense, and the Peace Corps, including lauded tenures with the Commercial and Consular Corps at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Bafagih served as Committee Chairman of the Foreign Service National Employee Association for 5 years and was twice recognized US Mission Staff Member of the year for 1997 and 2006. In addition to his position at Entilaq, he also served as a board member with the American Business Group of Abu Dhabi, AmCham (2011-‐2012). Mr. Bafagih is also an active member of the Houston business community and served on two critical committees (International Trade & FDI) with the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP). He also served as secretary and deputy chair with Houston Mayor Annise Parker’s International Trade Development Council for the MENA region, and also as Vice President of the Houston-‐Abu Dhabi Sister City Association. Entilaq also operates Houston based LLC, I10 Arabia, as a feeder and subsidiary in the United States. I10 Arabia links with US firms identified as potentially suitable for the GCC market focusing especially on the Oil & Gas, Healthcare, Transportation, and manufacturing sectors and offers the support and services of Entilaq in the Gulf Region. Bafagih has a Bachelors Degree in Marketing Principles from University of Nairobi, Kenya.
J. Griff Bludworth | Associate
Mr. Bludworth has over 15 years of process improvement experience in the chemical, polymer, and semiconductor industries. As a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt, he has delivered hard dollar financial results using Six Sigma, Design for Six Sigma and Lean in manufacturing, new product development, supply chain, customer service, and back office processes.
Over his career Mr. Bludworth has worked as a Lean Six Program Leader, Project Leader, Trainer, and Coach. Mr. Bludworth is a Chemical Engineer with a B.S. from Texas A&M and a M.S. from Louisiana State University. He lives in Austin, Texas.